Summary for Policymakers | From Reactors to Repositories: Disposal Pathways for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Waste
This summary for policymakers provides the high-level takeaways and insights from the NIA report "From Reactors to Repositories: Disposal Pathways for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Waste" which characterizes the various waste streams that are generated by advanced nuclear reactors and examines both interim storage and permanent disposal pathways.
To view the full report, click here. To view the webinar that was hosted for the release of this event, click here.
From Reactors to Repositories: Disposal Pathways for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Waste
As the global demand for clean firm energy grows, advanced nuclear energy technologies are gaining significant attention and efforts to deploy them are underway. These advanced reactors offer numerous improvements in safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility largely due to the innovative fuel forms and coolants utilized in their design. These advanced reactors will also introduce new nuclear waste streams that can differ significantly from those generated by conventional reactors, depending on the specific reactor design. With new reactors come new waste forms.
This report characterizes the various waste streams that are generated by advanced nuclear reactors and examines both interim storage and permanent disposal pathways. Chapter 1 presents an introduction on the importance of understanding nuclear waste management to ensure successful deployment. Chapter 2 provides background information on nuclear waste, how nuclear waste is classified, and the potential disposal pathways for nuclear waste. Chapter 3 characterizes the various waste streams produced by advanced reactors. Chapter 4 discusses interim storage strategies being considered for advanced reactor wastes. Chapter 5 addresses permanent disposal pathways for advanced reactor wastes.
To view this report's Summary for Policymakers, click here. To view the webinar that was hosted for the release of this event, click here.
NIA held a webinar to announce the release of a new report, “From Reactors to Repositories: Disposal Pathways for Advanced Nuclear Waste.” With speakers Erik Cothron of NIA, Judi Greenwald of NIA, Everett Redmond of Oklo Inc., Paul Murray of the U.S. Department of Energy and Matt Bowen of Center on Global Energy Policy. Thank you to our speakers and to everyone who attended.
This report characterizes the various waste streams that are generated by advanced nuclear reactors and examines both interim storage and permanent disposal pathways and provides clear insights into these topics to enable more informed decision-making and ultimately help create the conditions for success for advanced nuclear energy so that it can be part of the climate and energy security solution.
To view the full report, click here. To view this report's Summary for Policymakers, click here.
This primer provides basic information on advanced reactors to help the public and stakeholders understand the promise of innovative nuclear technologies. Dozens are under development around the world; this primer focuses on those in the United States and Canada.
This document was last updated in November 2024.
The Company Compendium serves as an introduction to the advanced reactor business ecosystem for potential investors and other key stakeholders.
This document was last updated in November 2024.
The Nuclear Innovation Alliance hosted a publication webinar for our updated Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology Primer and Company Compendium, with speakers Zach Koshgarian of NIA, Judi Greenwald of NIA, Peter Hastings of Kairos Power, Lou Martinez of Westinghouse and Benjamin Reinke of X-Energy and moderator Ben Finzel.
These updated reports provide information, resources and insights into advanced nuclear technology innovation and commercialization. They should serve as resources for investors, reporters, policymakers, regulators and others who want to learn more about advanced nuclear technologies and the key players building this industry. With increasing attention being paid to supporting the technologies required to meet mid-century climate goals, these resources should serve as helpful guides to understanding the basics of advanced nuclear energy technology and the companies involved in the design, licensing, construction, and operation of advanced nuclear reactors.
To download our Company Compendium click here
To download our Primer click here
This memo accompanies the 2024 Global Advanced Nuclear Energy Demonstrations Map, and provides added context to the current state of advanced nuclear reactor deployment across the globe. It highlights and discusses major advancements in advanced reactor deployment across the United States and several other countries, and provides three key takeaways:
- There has been significant progress in North America on advanced nuclear projects
- China and Russia are leading in constructing and operating advanced reactors
- It is increasingly urgent that the US maintain robust federal support to build advanced nuclear projects to completion
To view the interactive 2024 Global Advanced Nuclear Demonstrations Map, click the following link: https://nuclearinnovationalliance.org/2024-global-advanced-nuclear-energy-demonstrations-map
Nuclear Reactor Licensing 101
The successful deployment of advanced nuclear energy requires ensuring safety, security, and environmental protection through responsible commercial operations and effective regulation. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for the licensing of nuclear reactors in the United States and conducts a comprehensive review of all stages of nuclear power operations, from initial site selection and nuclear materials handling to decommissioning. While the NRC licensing process may seem complex, understanding it is vital for both public and private stakeholders.
NIA’s new report “Licensing 101” by Program Manager Brittany Lutz and Research Director Patrick White aims to demystify the reactor licensing process by providing an overview of the existing regulatory framework governing nuclear reactors. This paper describes how the NRC licensing process works for new nuclear reactors and demonstrates how continual improvements to the licensing process and adaptation to emerging technological developments will allow the NRC to better facilitate the rapid deployment of advanced nuclear technologies
This NIA fact sheet highlights the expected advanced reactor engagement with the NRC in fiscal year 2025